Abbas: US, Israel Misunderstood PA Gov't

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas says the United States and Israel have misunderstood the meaning of the unity government.

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Chana Ya'ar, 23/05/11 18:40 | updated: 18:46

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas

Israel news photo: Flash 90

Both the United States and Israel have misunderstood the intent behind the unity agreement bringing together Fatah and Hamas in a new Palestinian Authority government.

At least, that is what PA Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas claimed this week at a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II.

“This [next unity] government is not about two factions, Fatah or Hamas,” Abbas told the WAFA news agency following the meeting. “This is my government and will follow my strategy and policy.”

Abbas added that the two factions had reconciled and were “working on the formation of a government made up of technocrats.”

In addition to the unity deal, the two men allegedly discussed last Thursday's Middle East policy speech by U.S. President Obama. They also reviewed the list of issues that Abbas plans to present at the upcoming meeting of the Arab League.